Context:
Cases of West Nile fever, caused by West Nile Virus, were reported in Kerala.
About West Nile Virus:
- 1st isolated – West Nile district of Uganda (1937)
- Virus Family: a member of the flavi-virus genus.
- A mosquito-borne, single-stranded RNA virus
- Vectors: Transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, specifically from the genus Culex.
- Natural Hosts: Bird
- Health Risks: Can cause severe neurological diseases, WNV-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome and death.
- Approximately 80% of infected individuals do not exhibit any symptoms.
- Vaccination: Vaccines are available for horses but not for humans.
Source: Live mint
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
